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Point Dume Natural Preserve In Malibu (hiking alongside the ocean)

The drive up towards Point Dume was breath taking. We took Kanan road for twelve miles during which time we saw awesome mansions, vineyards, and lavender covered hillsides (Lupine flowers most likely), expansive and gorgeous. Then of course that Ahh feeling, as the ocean suddenly appears.

It was so wonderful to be near the ocean with it's ocean breeze, sound of waves breaking, and seagulls flying overhead. Some of the best  hikes are alongside the ocean, boasting stunning look out spots of the coast. My favorite being the Malibu Lagoon State Beach trail.The long hike walk (really feels like a hike), from the parking lot to the beach area.


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Malibu Lagoon State Beach
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Today's hike was at Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu. There are three different hiking trails one can take. The easiest being the boardwalk hike. The most challenging being the tide pool trail. The first hike we took was from the parking lot, up the side of the cliff, offering gentle, gradual escalation on the way to the top. I suggest you stop halfway and take in the 360 views of the lush beach community. Notice the boardwalk trail to the left. Of course when you get to the top the view is amazing. Unfortunately the trail stops abruptly at this point. Forcing you to turn around and go back the way you came. Fortunately the views are gorgeous. Check out the seemingly private beach to the left, which we assume is Westward Beach.When you get to the bottom of the cliff trail, make a sharp right, and take the boardwalk trail.



The Boardwalk Trail was actually my favorite. There is something very charming about a boardwalk leading out towards the ocean. At the end of the boardwalk there is a very cool look out point offering up stunning views of the coast. Snap a picture and continue on to the right. The roped trail hugs the cliff and ocean. Pause to look down and you will see many sea lions sun bathing below,seemingly camouflaged against the rocks. There is a slight decline leading to a break in the trail. Do yourself a favor and take the unmarked dirt trail towards the huge rock, which juts out towards the ocean.

Climb to the very edge and you will see a built in flat stone bench, perfect for sitting and enjoying lunch or a snack. Look over the rock to the right, and you will see Zuma beach. What appears to be a smaller, more private strip of beach with a lifeguard tower. We had the most delicious breeze while enjoying Subway snacks. Heading back towards the main trail will take you towards the main street. This is great if you plan to head back and take a different trail. To stay and enjoy the beach take a left and follow the roped trail down.



We took the main street a short distance until we reached the starting point / trail head once again. A short walk veering off to the right takes you to the tide pool trail (off to the left. You can't miss it. It descends down immediately and is heavily trafficked), leading to the stairs, that then dump you at the beach and tide pools. This is a pretty hike in itself, lush. Look behind you occasionally. Just be careful please. There are a half dozen cliffed / wide steps marked by pieces of wood. Which then turns into a sandy trail with a semi exposed pipe running the rest of the distance, until you get to the stair case that will take you down to the beach.

This was like a small adventure. The stairs are pretty messed up. Sturdy, but messed up. Some are missing a half plank, Another has a hole. Others are thick strips of metal with rocks underneath. I don't really think this is safe for young kids, especially when they tend to run down stairs.However, the pay off is grand. That particular stretch of beach is gorgeous. I found many sponges and mussels, a tiny star fish cruising along the bottom of the tide pool, and a tiny translucent hermit crab. Looking to the right I relished in the sight of the waves crashing against the huge rocks, so beautiful! The climb and then hike back up is challenging. Stop to rest and take in the views.


 
     








Comments

  1. AngelaMay 27, 2019 at 9:03 AM

    Looks like a great day. I'd love to visit there some time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. D.M.A in the houseMay 27, 2019 at 2:05 PM

      You definitely should! Thanks for dropping by 😁

      Delete

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